If this is your first visit, please click the Sign Up now button to begin the process of creating your account so you can begin posting on our forums! The Sign Up
process will only take up about a minute of two of your time.

RE: KMP New Spitfire Mk XIV

Sorry Twin, I should have given you the courtsey of a reply even if your offer was a tad bit insulting; I'm not going part with them for less than 50% of their value (as listed on TBM's website), rounded up to the nearest dollar, or you can buy them 'new'. I'm going to the RAM show in Feb., if you want them let me know . . . I'll be their Sat., or I'll be in CT just about every weekend once the weather warms.

RE: KMP New Spitfire Mk XIV

Hey Shihtzutan,

Where do you see the original retracts on TBM's website? I can't find them. I see the generation 5 retracts on there. They are selling for $119.00, but you get the generation 5 retracts, struts, wheels, tank, valve, and all the accessories. I am just looking for the original generation 1 retracts. The ones that I have pictured above. Are those the ones you have?

RE: KMP New Spitfire Mk XIV

No problem Shihtzutan. I actually just bought a set from another member for the original price I gave you. But I am still interested in your set of retracts. I will give you my original offer plus $5 shipping for just the retracts. Send me a PM.

RE: KMP New Spitfire Mk XIV

Hi Turbo, I'll use them in something I don't care about that much, I'm not going to part with them for that amount. If I knew you personally or we were a member of the same RC club, it would be different! Anyway, good luck. Personally, I don't see what you like about them but they will be ok for a beater plane.

RE: KMP New Spitfire Mk XIV

Hi Adam; I know this is a late reply to your original post. Nice refit on the KMP Spit retracts. I am just completing my Spit. I would like to know what struts you are using on your retracts. I agree that the original mounts leave a lot to be desired. I leaned them forward but we fly on the turf farm and the grass is rather high. I think that when I do the rebuild I would like to add the struts. In viewing your pictures I noticed a weld just below the link up area for the strut. Am I correct? If so could you get back to me on the strut type you used. Impalas

RE: KMP New Spitfire Mk XIV

Hi Impalas,

I am using Robart 670 Straight RoboStruts 1/2" diameter. The struts are great and really sturdy. Since I am using the original generation 1 retracts I used a 1/4" wire to connect the struts to the retracts. I had to enlarge the hole in the retract to accept the 1/4" rod.

You are correct, it is a welded piece on each strut. What happened is that when I repositioned the gear to the correct spot, it extended them 1/2" or more. So I had a buddy weld a piece onto the strut to extend it.

What I would suggest doing for any KMP/ESM arf is to strengthen the gear blocks with triangular stock and epoxy each and every edge and joint surrounding the blocks. I would also highly suggest using 6-32 blind nuts and bolts to secure the gear to the gear blocks. The wood screws that they suggest using just don't cut-it on any 15+ pound plane.

RE: KMP New Spitfire Mk XIV

Thanks Adam; I have already started the mod on the retract blocks. I've taken pictures as I go along.Will forward them when I get things together. I have made up two U-shaped 5 ply plates that sink it into the existing wing framing,with additional support,saimilar to what we do on foam core pattern wings. When I opened it up, I noted that the main spar was comprised of two long sheets of light ply and hollow in the middle which was a suprise to me. . We've had flooding up here in Rhode Island and as my business is pool maintenance, I've been quite busy today pumping out relatives cellars. I started the "Surgery"early this A.M. and was called off. I'll keep you posted on the mod. I have not flown the Spit yet but after all I've read about the nose over problem, I decided to deal with it now and not at the field. Mine is also an early version. The gear works very well. I set it aside for a few years and after getting back on it I had trouble charging the air system. I took the control valve apart and found a really dirty charging stem inside the valve. It looked like the stem was coated with a piece of neoprene. I cleaned it up and the gear works fine. I don't charge to 60 or 65. I charge to 50 the gear works OK and although quick, it does not slam home. I'll keep in touch . And, Thanks for the info on the retracts. Pete

RE: KMP New Spitfire Mk XIV

I am going to maiden my Spitfire this coming Sunday. I am a little concerned with the CG recommended at 120mm. Has anyone have any experience or flown at the recommended CG? Or how did you set your up?

RE: KMP New Spitfire Mk XIV

My first ESM Spit manual indicated a 107mm CG and it flew best at 110mm. Just my opinion but I think 120 will leave you trimming the elevator alot on the first flight. My first ESM Spit hit a bird last fall and I have just finished the second one and will fly it at 110mm for the maiden.

RE: KMP New Spitfire Mk XIV

Hi guys,

I've converted my Spitfire from a 28cc gasser to electric and I've balanced her at 110mm. I've got a Turnigy 200kV motor on 10S Lipo swinging an 18 x 14 APC and I'm going to trial 19 - 20" to see how she goes. I've got the same set up in a 1.20 size Seagull PC9 swinging a 15.5.x 12 4-blade and she goes VERY well. Can't wait to get the Spit back in the air.

RE: KMP New Spitfire Mk XIV

lol, sounds like a dig at electrics...if I put my Benedini sound system on board would that be better? My club mates are all taking the piss out of me coz I've gone electric after being a staunch "smelly" for so long

RE: KMP New Spitfire Mk XIV

I've got a Seagull 1.20 size PC9 flying on the same motor swinging a 15.5 x 12 4-blade and it sounds awesome. I also have a 96" Austars Cessna 152 using the same set up as well swinging an 18 x 14 - it sounds great as well.